James LeRoy Ashmore Sr.

James LeRoy Ashmore, Sr., 73, of Bay City, died February 7, 2015 at his home.He was born on June 16, 1941 in Grant Township to Samuel and Bertha (Martin) Ashmore. He was married to Cheryl Simmons who preceded him in death on February 14, 2011.
Jim honorably served our nation in the Navy for over ten years, the Navy Reserves in Saginaw for six years, and the Army Reserves in Bad Axe for eight years before retiring as a Sergeant First Class. He is a veteran of the 1965 Dominican Republic invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He loved being a Sailor and participated in Caribbean Cruises, a Mediterranean Cruise, a South East Pacific Cruise, and a North Atlantic Cruise. Jim retired from Consumers Energy where he worked as a master machinist for over 31 years. He was a life member of Utility Workers Union of America Local 144 and life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6950. He was a Past Master of the Acme Lodge in Gagetown and he was involved in the York Rite, Demolay, and the Eastern Star. Jim graduated from the Owendale-Gagetown High School in 1959. He was an avid outdoorsman who liked to hunt and fish.
Jim is survived by his sons, Edward (Kim), William (Demra); his daughters, Shirley, Fronda (Tim) Pattengill, Bobbie (Kevin) Kenney, and Brenda Schalk; 17 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Steve; and a sister, Shirley Voborny. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Sam; his sisters, Betty, and Mary Helen; his son, James, Jr.; two grandsons, Justin and Jonas.
Funeral and Committal services will take place at 1:00 pm at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc.  Officiating will be Rev. Jackie Roe with interment and Military Honors following at the Oak Ridge Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, and noon until the time of service Friday at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Memorials can be made to the VFW, Post 6950 or to Wishes of the Family. www.gephartfuneralhome.com